Demps execution troubled

Inmate complains of bleeding while prepped for injections

By Rich TuckerTimes-Union staff writer,

STARKE -- Florida's third lethal injection procedure had complications yesterday that resulted in a 33-minute delay as the execution team at Florida State Prison struggled to insert intravenous needles into convicted murderer Bennie Demps.

At the beginning of his final statement, just before he was executed, Demps said the prison team injured him several times. He asked his lawyer, George Schaefer, who was one of the witnesses at the execution, to demand an investigation of the proceeding.

"Mr. Schaefer, they butchered me back there," Demps said as his voice trembled. "I was in a lot of pain."

An inmate scheduled to be executed by lethal injection typically has two intravenous needles inserted while he lies on a gurney. Witnesses are not permitted to view that portion of the procedure. Demps said the officials preparing him for execution first cut him in the groin and then cut his leg.

He said he bled "profusely" as a result of the injuries, which he said were sutured closed.

"They gave up putting the second IV in," he added.

After the execution, Florida State Prison Warden James Crosby said the process had first been delayed because prison officials were awaiting confirmation that the U.S. Supreme Court had denied Demps' final request for a stay of execution.

Crosby also said a "surgical procedure" was necessary to find a suitable vein to perform the lethal injection. He would not comment on Demps' accusation that he was injured repeatedly and treated improperly.

Schaefer said he would call for an investigation of the execution.

Despite the delay, Demps, 49, was given a lethal dose of chemicals at 6:40 p.m. as the execution team carried out the death sentence for the 1976 murder of fellow inmate Alfred Sturgis. He has been incarcerated since his conviction in a 1971 double murder.

Outside the Florida State Prison, Hannah Floyd (center) and Janice Figueroa weep at the anticipated moment of Bennie Demps' execution. Floyd has a husband on Death Row and Figueroa has a son facing execution.

-- Stuart Tannehill/Staff

Demps' eyes closed shortly after the chemicals were injected, and he appeared to stop breathing at 6:42 p.m. He was pronounced dead at 6:53.

Before the execution, Demps made a seven-minute statement in which he thanked his family, lawyers and religious adviser for their support while continuing to staunchly defend his innocence.

"This is not an execution," he said. "This is murder."

The 22-year Death Row veteran made a number of accusations during his statement.

"I am an innocent man. They have knowingly fabricated evidence against me," he said.

His speech also included a condemnation of Gov. Jeb Bush.

"Gov. Bush, you have done what you said you would never do and that is kill an innocent man," he said.

Lying on his back covered up to his chin with a white sheet, Demps appeared to become calm as he continued his statement.

"I leave this world hating no man, with no malice toward anyone. I leave in peace."

A practicing Muslim for his final 10 years, Demps wore to his execution a white kufi on his head as a symbol of his faith. At the conclusion of his final statement, he spoke a short Muslim prayer.

According to Department of Corrections spokeswoman Debra Buchanan, Demps spent part of yesterday morning with his wife Tracy whom he met by placing an advertisement on the Internet three years ago. The two were married in November.

During one of the visiting periods, he was allowed to hug and kiss his wife.

He was served a last meal of barbecue chicken and beef, french fries, salad, Spanish rice, rolls, cherry vanilla and butter pecan ice cream, a mango, banana pudding and Pepsi. He only ate half of the meal.

For Tracy Demps, yesterday was a day of waiting in prayer. In an interview hours before the execution, she said she had still not given up hope that a stay would be granted, though she admitted that the odds of such a reprieve appeared to be stacked high against her and her husband. Among those seeking a reprieve for her husband was Pope John Paul II, who sent a letter to Bush seeking clemency.

Demps' wife said she has done extensive research on his case and has written letters on his behalf for his clemency petition and his appeals.

"I've searched down almost every single judge and juror [connected to Demps' case]," she said. "I probably know more about this case than Bennie does."

Tracy Demps said she felt fortunate for the times she has shared with her husband.

"He was my greatest joy. And he remains my greatest strength short of my faith in my God," she said.